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Ultrasonic characteristics of posterior urethral valves
Radiology
|October 1, 1982
Insights
Ultrasound reveals bladder wall thickening and prostatic urethra dilation in infants with posterior urethral valves, aiding hydroureter diagnosis. Severe bladder muscle hypertrophy may mimic pelvic tumors.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Medical Ultrasound
Background:
- Posterior urethral valves (PUV) are a common cause of bladder outlet obstruction in male infants.
- Diagnosis of PUV is crucial for preventing renal damage and long-term complications.
- Ultrasound is a primary imaging modality for evaluating congenital urinary tract abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the ultrasound findings in infants diagnosed with posterior urethral valves.
- To highlight the utility of ultrasound in diagnosing associated urinary tract abnormalities like hydroureter.
- To describe how bladder muscle hypertrophy can be misinterpreted on ultrasound.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of ultrasound examinations in 5 infants with confirmed posterior urethral valves.
- Analysis of specific ultrasound features: bladder wall thickness, prostatic urethra caliber, and bladder muscle appearance.
- Correlation of ultrasound findings with clinical diagnosis and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Ultrasound demonstrated bladder wall thickening and prostatic urethra dilatation in all cases.
- Associated hydroureter was identified in cases with posterior urethral valves.
- Marked bladder muscle hypertrophy presented as a solid echogenic mass, mimicking a pelvic tumor in one instance.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasound is valuable for diagnosing posterior urethral valves and associated hydroureter in infants.
- Recognizing bladder wall changes and prostatic urethra dilatation is key.
- Awareness of potential mimicry of pelvic tumors by severe bladder hypertrophy is important for accurate diagnosis.
Abstract:
Thickening of the bladder wall and dilatation of the prostatic urethra can be shown by ultrasound in infants with posterior urethral valves. This can be helpful in the diagnosis of hydroureter. Marked hypertrophy of the bladder muscle can appear as solid echogenic mass and simulate a pelvic tumor. Ultrasonic findings in 5 infants with posterior urethral valves are reviewed.